I am currently ensconced in my bedroom at my parents’ place back in the windswept, rainy northeast of England so that pretty much guarantees there won’t be another dining interview before next year. So by way of year-end wrap-up, here’s a recap of the strangers that I met for a meal in 2013:
- Stranger #47 (January 2nd): Dinner with English singer-songwriter Lorraine Bowen. I hesitate to use the word “quirky” to describe someone as I fear it might be patronizing, but Lorraine truly is a one-of-a-kind with her songs about the contents of hamburgers and queues at the post office. A fun start to 2013.
- Stranger #48 (February 24th): Goth country musician David Rogers-Berry of O’Death has had a rough few years as he battled bone cancer. Brunch in Brooklyn with this laid-back, chatty man told me what genuinely counts as a priority in life (health over fame), and gave me a great insight into the music industry.
- Stranger #49 (August 29th): Took many months off from interviews before dining with New Orleans restaurant critic Tom Fitzmorris. That break was probably for the best because our meal was one of the richest, booziest, most indulgent Dining With Strangers experiences I’ve had. Tom is a radio host and is a natural storyteller, making the almost three-hour meal zip along. And I even got to take part in his daily food show on local radio. Great start to a trip to the Big Easy.
- Stranger #50 (August 30th): A rare interview with a duo rather than one stranger — lunch with Tom and Natalie Harvey, founders of New Orleans-based t-shirt company Storyville. The peaceful lunch with two smart and softly spoken people was a pleasant contrast to the outright indulgence of the night before. The Harveys were great dining companions, and we enjoyed more chatting on the stroll over to their shop after lunch. And we’re Facebook friends now, yay!
- Stranger #51 (November 16th): Dinner with Richard Kiel, best known as the henchman Jaws from two James Bond movies starring Roger Moore as 007. This fellow is huge, towering over me and with hands as big as Mickey Mouse gloves. His massive frame served him well in the menacing role of Jaws, and he had plenty of interesting stories to share about making it big in the movies, as well as a historical book he wrote that I’m currently making my way through.
Despite my attempt to try and beat last year’s dismal low number of five interviews, I’m at the same number for 2013. At least I’m not backsliding, right?
Now on to 2014, and hopefully meeting more strangers.